The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast w/Heather Hammell. Business coaching for hands-on therapists who are done underearning.

Hosted by Heather Hammell

Business Entrepreneurship

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355

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Most business advice was not built for someone who works with their hands, sees clients one at a time, and carries the weight of other people's healing for a living. The Fully Booked Therapist with Heather Hammell is. Each week Heather teaches the real business skills that hands-on therapy training never covers, and brings in clinical leaders from across every modality alongside top earning practitioners who have built fully booked practices without overworking, without underselling, and without becoming someone different to do it. You already have the clinical skills. This show gives you everything else. For massage therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language practitioners, myofascial release practitioners, and hands-on therapists who are ready to build on purpose and with purpose. Get fully booked. Get paid using real facts and data. Build a practice that funds a full life inside and outside the treatment room. Real conversations. Real results. Your real life. Find out more at https://www.heatherhammell.com.

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60 recent

September 7, 202611 min

EP. 308 The Relief Trap: Why Discounting Feels So Good in the Moment

Why does discounting your services feel so good in the moment? In this episode, I’m talking about the temporary relief that can come from lowering your rate, giving away a session, or adding extra time when charging feels uncomfortable. I’ll explain how reactive discounting can reinforce your beliefs about what your work is worth, the difference between intentional generosity and giving from guilt, and three ways to start making decisions about your rates and discounts ahead of time. In this episode, you'll learn: Why discounting or giving services away can create an immediate feeling of relief How feeling guilty about your rate can lead to reactive pricing decisions Why repeatedly discounting can reinforce the belief that you shouldn’t charge your full rate How free sessions, heavy discounts, and unexpected extra time can affect the client experience The difference between intentional generosity and giving something away to escape discomfort Why discounts and giveaways are better decided ahead of time, when you’re calm and thinking clearly How to notice thoughts like “I feel bad charging this” without automatically acting on them Why discomfort around a new or higher rate does not require you to change the rate A simple exercise for identifying where you’re giving from relief instead of making a deliberate business decision The Get Fully Booked Challenge is coming November 9th through the 13th, and we’re spending five days working on how you run your hands-on business. I’ll walk you through a clear path toward keeping your calendar booked, leading your clients with confidence, and making real money doing the work you love. If you’re building a practice, close to starting one, or already booked and ready to build something stronger, this challenge is for you. Block off November 9th through the 13th on your calendar and make sure you’re on my email list at https://themfrcoach.com/mailing-list so you’ll be the first to know when it’s time to grab your seat. **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

August 31, 202615 min

EP. 307 The Fully Booked Therapist Standard 7: Why One More Certification Is Not What Is Standing Between You and Fully Booked

Many therapists believe one more certification is the missing piece between where they are now and a fully booked practice. In this episode, Heather shares why she spent years chasing credentials, what happened when she finally reached expert level, and why the confidence she expected never came from another certificate. Heather explores the concept of learning as a buffer and explains how continuing education can sometimes become a way to avoid uncomfortable business decisions. She discusses the difference between intentional learning and collecting credentials out of fear, comparison, or the hope of feeling more qualified. If you've ever questioned whether another training is the right investment, this episode will help you evaluate your motivation and refocus on applying the skills you already have. In this episode, you'll learn: What "learning as a buffer" means Why another certification doesn't automatically build confidence How to recognize the credential treadmill The difference between intentional learning and emotional decision-making Why applying your skills creates better client results Questions to ask before enrolling in another continuing education course How confidence grows through experience, not certificates Why building a successful business requires more than clinical expertise **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

August 24, 202637 min

EP. 306 Why I Hired an Astrology Coach (And What She Saw Coming)

Can astrology help you make better business decisions? I'll admit, I didn't know much about astrology before booking my first natal chart reading. What started as curiosity turned into one of the most interesting coaching relationships I've had. In this episode, I'm joined by my astrology coach, Alyssa, founder of The Karuna Lab. We talk about how she uses natal charts as a coaching tool for entrepreneurs, why she believes astrology is about recognizing patterns instead of predicting the future, and how our work together helped me navigate one of the biggest identity shifts in my business. If you've ever wondered what business astrology actually looks like in practice, this conversation will give you an inside look. In This Episode We Discuss What an astrology coach actually does The difference between horoscopes and natal chart readings Why I decided to hire an astrology coach How astrology helped me through a major business transition The idea of "composting relationships" during periods of growth What a Year Ahead Reading can reveal How Brand Planets and Ideal Client Planets relate to business Why Alyssa says she isn't a psychic How astrology can reveal money patterns and business blind spots What my own natal chart revealed about the way I coach therapists Guest Information Alyssa is the founder of The Karuna Lab, a psychological astrology and coaching practice built around Practical Mysticism for the Ambitious Soul. She helps high-achieving people stop making decisions from old survival patterns and start making them from genuine self-knowledge, using the natal chart as a diagnostic tool for that process. Website: http://www.thekarunalab.com Email: alyssa@thekarunalab.com **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

August 17, 202615 min

EP. 305 The Fully Booked Therapist Standard 6: Why Showing Up to Get Coached Is the Decision That Changes Everything

In this episode of The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast, Heather Hamel explores Standard #6: Fully Booked Therapists Show Up and Get Coached. She explains why self-coaching and professional coaching work together, and why making business decisions often requires outside perspective rather than more information. Using a client story about raising rates, Heather illustrates how coaching helps therapists move from hesitation to action. She discusses the emotional barriers that keep therapists stuck, the financial and professional cost of delaying important decisions, and why vulnerability is a strength inside a coaching environment. Heather also shares what coaching looks like inside the Foundations program, including Hot Seat Coaching, weekly coaching calls, accountability, tracking business metrics, and engaging with a supportive community. She concludes by encouraging therapists to stop waiting until they feel ready and instead make the decisions that allow their practices to grow. If you're ready to join a room where you can get coached, receive accountability, and build your practice alongside other therapists doing the same work, visit https://www.heatherhammel.com/foundation . If you join before August 16, I'll also send you the printed Foundations workbook. **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

August 10, 202642 min

EP. 304 $8,500 Months and 12 Weeks Off: Kelly Taylor's Fully Booked Business Story

What happens when you stop searching for another certification and start thinking like a business owner? In this episode, Heather sits down with Bright Wave Myofascial Release owner Kelly Taylor to discuss her journey from losing clients after transitioning to an MFR-only practice to building a consistently full schedule and growing her revenue through coaching, confidence, and better business decisions. Kelly shares how mindset work, evaluating her sales process, and trusting proven systems helped her overcome self-doubt and create a business that supports both financial goals and personal freedom. In this episode, you'll learn: Why transitioning to an MFR-only practice initially hurt Kelly's confidence How coaching helped her develop the mindset of a business owner The role evaluation plays in improving sales conversations How selling packages became easier through consistent systems Why confidence comes from trusting your process How Kelly increased both revenue and consistency in her practice Planning vacations and time off without sacrificing income Creating a practice that supports long-term financial freedom Why community and accountability accelerated her growth The importance of making business decisions without seeking constant validation If you're ready to stop chasing more certifications and start building a practice that consistently serves your clients while supporting your life, this episode is for you. Connect with Kelly Taylor Website: https://www.brightwavemfr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightwavemfr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightwavemfr Ready to build your practice like a business owner? Foundations is Heather's 12-month coaching program designed to help therapists develop the systems, pricing, policies, and business mindset needed to create a profitable, sustainable practice. Enrollment closes August 16. Join now and receive a printed Foundations workbook to support your journey. Learn more at https://heatherhammell.com/foundation . **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

August 3, 202620 min

EP. 303 The Fully Booked Therapist Standard 5: The Three Questions That Will Make You Better at Everything in Your Practice

Most therapists want better results in their practice, but very few are consistently evaluating what is actually creating those results. In this episode of The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast, I break down Standard #5 of a fully booked therapist: self coaching and evaluating on purpose. I explain why most therapists only pay attention when something goes wrong and how that approach causes them to miss valuable opportunities for improvement. I also share the three-question evaluation framework I teach inside Foundations and explain how therapists can use it after client sessions, rebook conversations, sales interactions, and coaching calls. You'll learn how self coaching helps therapists take ownership of their results, identify what is working, and make intentional adjustments that improve performance over time. If you've ever wondered why some therapists consistently improve while others stay stuck repeating the same mistakes, this episode will show you how evaluation becomes the bridge between experience and growth. **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

July 27, 202642 min

EP. 302 From $15K to $121K: How an Occupational Therapist Built a Fully Booked MFR Practice

Many occupational therapists dream of starting a private practice but struggle with knowing when it's the right time to leave traditional employment. In this episode, I sit down with occupational therapist and myofascial release practitioner Shauna, who shares how she grew her MFR practice from approximately $15,000 in annual revenue to more than $121,000 while creating a schedule that supports both her family and her business. We discuss what led her to leave traditional pediatric occupational therapy, how she gradually transitioned into private practice, why she now believes a fully booked MFR practice offers greater security than a traditional job, and the mindset shifts that helped her confidently build a thriving business. If you're an occupational therapist wondering whether it's possible to build a fully booked MFR practice, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who's done exactly that. ABOUT SHAUNA Shauna is an occupational therapist with more than 16 years of experience. After experiencing burnout in traditional pediatric practice, she discovered John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release (MFR), which inspired her to open Rooted OT in 2024. Today, she serves clients across the lifespan through her fully booked MFR practice and is passionate about helping people through a holistic approach to care. Guest Contact Website: https://therootedot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.rooted.ot Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556970875054 **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

July 20, 202614 min

EP. 301 The Fully Booked Therapist Standard 4: How to Stop Reacting to Your Business and Start Responding to It

Most therapists spend their days reacting. Reacting to cancellations. Reacting to client messages. Reacting to slow months, difficult conversations, and unexpected problems. In this episode of The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast, I break down Standard #4 of a fully booked therapist: learning how to respond instead of react. I explain why reacting creates chaos in your business, how emotions influence decision-making, and why the ability to pause and respond intentionally is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a business owner. You'll also learn how I use The Model, a coaching tool that helps therapists separate circumstances from thoughts, feelings, actions, and results so they can make decisions from clarity instead of emotion. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by cancellations, upset by client behavior, or emotionally exhausted by the ups and downs of running a practice, this episode will help you build a more stable, predictable, and sustainable business. **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

July 13, 202644 min

EP. 300 Add Infants to Your Practice Without the Fear: A Conversation with Craniosacral Therapist Lori Hendrickson

Many therapists are curious about working with infants but feel intimidated by the responsibility, the training, or simply not knowing where to start. In this episode of The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast, I sit down with craniosacral therapist Lori Hendrickson, who has spent more than two decades specializing in infant care and teaching healthcare professionals how to confidently work with babies and families. We discuss why conditions like plagiocephaly, torticollis, reflux, and feeding challenges have become increasingly common, what role movement plays in infant development, and how simple bodywork approaches can help babies become more comfortable in their bodies. Lori also shares her philosophy of treating the mother and infant as a dyad, why infant bodywork doesn't need to be intimidating, and how therapists can confidently expand their practices to include babies and families. If you've ever considered adding infants to your practice but felt uncertain about taking that step, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement from someone who has dedicated her career to helping both babies and the professionals who care for them. ABOUT LORI Lori has practiced Craniosacral Therapy (CST) since 2001, supporting infants and families while training healthcare professionals across the U.S., Canada, and internationally. She specializes in helping infants with feeding difficulties, oral ties, reflux, torticollis, plagiocephaly, digestive issues, and body tension. Her parent-centered approach includes teaching gentle fascia release techniques families can use at home. Lori collaborates with IBCLCs, midwives, therapists, chiropractors, and oral release providers worldwide. Her work is focused on individualized, collaborative care that supports better feeding, sleeping, breathing, and long-term outcomes for infants. **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.

July 6, 202616 min

EP. 299 The Fully Booked Therapist Standard 3: What Doing the Heavy Lifting Actually Means in Your Practice

Most therapists think doing the heavy lifting means working longer hours, seeing more clients, or constantly adding new certifications. In this episode of The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast, I explain why that definition misses the mark. The fully booked therapist does the heavy lifting, but not in the way most people think. The real work happens in the business behaviors surrounding treatment: understanding the client's real problem, creating a clear treatment plan, improving the client experience, making confident recommendations, and refining systems through repetition. I share examples from my own hands-on therapy practice and explain why most therapists focus on improving their clinical skills while avoiding the business behaviors that actually create a consistently full schedule. If you've been busy working in your practice but aren't seeing the growth you want, this episode will help you identify where the real work needs to happen and how small improvements can create significant results over time. **This podcast is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical professional. We make no representations as to any physical, emotional, or mental health benefits that may be derived from listening to our podcast. Likewise, we do not make any representations or guarantees as to any possible income, business growth, additional clients, or any other earnings or growth benefits that may be derived from our podcast. Any testimonials, examples, or other results presented are the experiences of one client. We do not represent or guarantee you will achieve the same or similar results. You understand and agree you are solely responsible for any decisions you make from the information provided.** The Fully Booked Therapist Podcast includes affiliate links in its show notes. This means we may earn a commission if you click on or make purchases via the links in our show notes.